Hockey

NZ Truth, Issue 1237, 15 August 1929, Page 17

Hockey

A MUD WALLOP .t* — — — — Australians Meet Their Match

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Auckland Rep.) Brilliant hockey was out of the question when New Zealand met Australia m the test for the Man,hing Cup at Eden Park. [YRIZZLING rain and a sodden ground -' served to handicap good play, but nevertheless the by both sides was remarkably good considering the conditions. Not since the great Indian tour has so much interest been displayed m the game here, and the test drew a large attendance. Hard, but unscientific, hitting marked the first spell, with dashes of better play oh, the dryer patches. Dribbling by the New Zealand forwards . livened the game considerably, and Australia was seen to advantage on defence. Clever defensive tactics showed the visitors to be a team of outstanding ability, and judging by the opening stages; it was thought the Australians had something up their sleeves. The All Black forwards came still more into their own m the second spell, the backs opening out and giving them every opportunity. They advanced m spectacular dribbling rushes to the circle, but once near the goal-mouth, play was not kept sufficiently open. Too much handling was the result. •Fletcher, the All Black goalie, was not called on to defend a great deal, but ; when required, smothered brilliantly. The half line of the New Zealand team w.as strong^ McLeod shining frequently. The two Spiers put a great deal of effort into their back play. Of the two, however, the Wellington man was the .superior. . He gave a great exhibition when attacking, and was always strong on defence. At times he was brilliant; . The. difficult ground proved trying to both sides, and was largely responsible for Cole falling to play' up to form. '•■','

There, were few.'- faults among the forwards, * but Robb found the soft going difficult. , The main fault with Phillpotts was a tendency to wait too long before hitting. His failure to centre quickly let the combination down at/ times.

E. Watts, far from being hampered by the conditions under foot, revelled m the heavy going, and was. frequently conspicuous m leading the 'attacks.

, When New Zealand battled to defend

m the! circle, Fletcher was frequently well supported, and some fine saves were made. V

The goalie delighted the crowd with his method of defence. ■